Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth PCS Guide
Military Base History
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth recently dedicated its Chapel Office in honor of Capt. Thomas David Parham, a trailblazer in Navy history and a cornerstone of spiritual support for generations of Sailors. NMCP also awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award to Dr. Nelson to recognize...
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is the oldest continuously operating hospital in the U.S. Navy. Established in 1827, it provided medical care for sailors and Marines stationed in the Hampton Roads area. Its strategic location near the Norfolk Naval Shipyard made it a vital asset from the start.
The facility underwent major expansions during the 20th century to meet the needs of wounded service members. In World War I and World War II, the hospital rapidly grew, adding new buildings, wards, and advanced medical equipment. These changes transformed the center into a modern medical complex.
During the Cold War, the hospital continued to expand, supporting a growing Navy presence in the Atlantic. Ongoing development ensured the facility could handle increasing demands and maintain its role as a key medical provider for the Navy.
Throughout its history, the medical center has hosted key Navy medical units, such as surgical teams, research departments, and training programs for corpsmen and nurses. The hospital played a critical role during major conflicts, treating casualties from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, both World Wars, and more recent operations.
The hospital's name has changed over time to reflect its evolving mission and capabilities. Originally known as the Naval Hospital Portsmouth, it was officially renamed Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in 1999.
Today, the center serves as a flagship medical facility for Navy Medicine East. It provides care to active-duty personnel, retirees, and their families, and supports medical readiness for the fleet.
Major Units & Training Programs
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) staff hosted medical personnel from ships that are part of the Japanese Training Squadron’s Overseas Training Cruise, Sept. 23. An orientation tour and briefs at various locations in the medical center were given to the Japanese medical sailors and...
Major Units
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) Command
Serves as the primary command structure overseeing all medical operations, patient care, and administrative functions at the medical center. Provides comprehensive healthcare and medical readiness support to Navy and joint service personnel in the region.
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Portsmouth
Responsible for ensuring medical personnel are trained, equipped, and ready to support both peacetime healthcare and operational deployments. Integrates readiness training with daily healthcare delivery for fleet and family members.
Training Schools
Hospital Corpsman Clinical Training Program
Overview
Provides hands-on clinical experience and advanced skills training for Navy Hospital Corpsmen, preparing them for duty in both hospital and operational environments.
Course Length
Several weeks to several months, depending on specialty track
Who Attends
Navy Hospital Corpsmen undergoing clinical phase of training
Arrival & In-Processing
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Welcome to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth! Arriving at a new base is an exciting step, and being prepared makes your transition smoother. Reviewing requirements ahead of time helps ensure a quick, stress-free check-in. For more details, visit the official Naval Medical Center Portsmouth website.
Access the base through the Main Gate, located near the hospital’s primary entrance. The Main Gate operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. Be ready to present a valid Military ID, CAC, or DoD-issued credential for all adults. State driver’s licenses must meet REAL ID Act standards—non-compliant IDs require a secondary approved form. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections at entry. Security is a top priority; follow all posted instructions and remain patient during peak hours. To obtain visitor or family member passes, stop at the Visitor Control Center before proceeding to the gate. Sponsors must be present or have pre-coordinated approval for guests.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if arranged in advance)
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit’s administrative office or the command sponsor coordinator. Many units also provide online request forms or direct contact through your assignment notification. Early communication ensures you receive welcome information and personalized assistance.
Report to the Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) located within the main hospital complex for in-processing. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 0730–1600, excluding federal holidays. Key steps include personnel check-in, finance and travel claims, medical and dental record review, housing briefings, and unit check-in. Most personnel complete in-processing within 2–3 business days, depending on individual needs and document readiness.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate, adjacent to the hospital entrance. Hours are Monday through Friday, 0600–1800, and Saturday, 0800–1200. The VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in DBIDS, and assists with sponsor coordination for non-DoD visitors. Arrive early to avoid delays, especially during high-traffic periods.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Staff Sergeant Cornel Varnado Jr., 194th Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, signs for packages May 9 as workers from River City Movers conduct a direct delivery to his home May 9 at Fort Campbell. Varnado was recently reassigned from Germany to Fort Campbell and elected to carry out a government move to transport his Family’s belongings from overseas.
Start your PCS to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth by reviewing your official orders and contacting the base Transportation Office as soon as possible. You will need to choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government arranges movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), where you handle the move and may be reimbursed. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule your move, track your shipment, and upload required documents. This system is essential for managing your relocation efficiently.
You may qualify for key entitlements, including the Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA). TLE helps cover temporary lodging costs while you wait for housing, and DLA helps offset the costs of relocating your household. Carefully review your allowances and keep receipts for all expenses. Portsmouth is a busy hub, so early coordination is vital for a smooth transition. Check the base website and your gaining command for arrival and check-in procedures.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor from your gaining command as soon as you receive orders.
- Call the Transportation Office early to secure your preferred move dates.
- Keep important documents (orders, IDs, medical records) with you at all times.
- Take clear photos of your household goods before packing.
- Check pet policies and make arrangements for your animals in advance.
- Label boxes with room and contents for easier unpacking.
- Review local housing options and waitlists before arrival.
Important Forms & Links
Start, track, and manage your PCS move.
Find current rates for TLE, DLA, and other allowances.
Guidance, checklists, and support for your move.
Base-specific arrival and newcomer information.